The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) demonstrated significant organizational advancement in 2023, implementing a streamlined values framework centered on being Bold, Inclusive, and Trusted [1]. Under Director Laurie Leshin's leadership, the laboratory established seven strategic imperatives while maintaining its commitment to groundbreaking scientific discovery and space exploration innovation.
- Laurie Leshin - Director, JPL
- Roger Gibbs - Director for Engineering and Science [3]
- John Kelly - Chief Financial Officer and Director for Laboratory Operations Integration [3]
- Rebecca Macko - Director for Human Resources
- Howard Eisen - Chief Engineer
- Solar System Studies (17,150 projects)
- Mars Exploration (11,374 projects)
- Earth Science (2,496 projects)
- Weather Research (2,335 projects)
- Asteroid/Comet Studies (1,915 projects) [2]
- Launch of signature initiatives aligned with new strategic imperatives [1]
- Implementation of a comprehensive three-year strategic plan [1]
- Recognition of two researchers with Presidential Early Career Awards (PECASE) for breakthrough work in spacecraft antenna innovation and planetary geophysics [3]
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- U.S. citizenship/permanent residency for most positions
- 10-week minimum program duration [4]
- Perseverance Mars Mission
- NEO Surveyor Program
- NISAR Earth Observation Mission
- SPHEREx Space Telescope Project [1]
The laboratory's recent recognition includes 10 Webby Award nominations in 2025 [7], demonstrating its continued excellence in public engagement and technological innovation while maintaining its position as a leader in space exploration and scientific discovery.